PROPOSALS for some significant changes in Hale are proving controversial.

Draft plans for Hale were revealed by Trafford Council earlier this year, including road changes, speed limit reductions and changes to shop front designs.

Hale Civic Society has previously criticised the plan, claiming the changes would ‘ruin’ the area and cause more traffic.

The plans are due to be considered by the town hall’s executive next Monday.

The council said it has received over 600 responses as part of a consultation. The final plans will be revealed ahead of the council meeting.

Hale’s Conservative councillors are concerned.

In a statement, they said: “Regrettably, Trafford council has not listened to the views of Hale businesses and residents and looks set to impose an unwelcome and ill-thought out plan on the village which will have the result of stifling any prospects of growth at a time of a global pandemic.

“The Conservatives will be calling for the plan to be put on hold and a further and truly meaningful consultation to be undertaken on what is being imposed on the village.”

Trafford council denied the plans were being ‘imposed’ on residents.

Denise Laver, of Hale Civic Society, said: “Hale Civic Society has been trying to ensure Hale prospers for over 60 years. The society was originally excited about a plan.

“The consultation process was flawed. It wasn’t inclusive, lacked hard copies of the document for people to read and originally only gave four weeks to digest and respond to a complex 93-page consultation document.”

Drafted plans for the village centre released before the consultation earlier this year included new speed limit reductions, new cycle lanes, widened pavements, new seating areas, more trees and flowers and art.

A Trafford Council spokesman aid: “Since the Hale plan was first announced in July 2019, we have worked hard to consult with all members of Hale’s communities.

"This has been done in order to deliver a plan that will make Hale a great place to visit, for businesses to thrive and to improve travel in and around the centre.

“There is no question of the council trying to impose a plan on the people of Hale.

"We are therefore pleased that, following our extensive consultation, a majority of respondents think the vision is appropriate and agree with the objectives and proposals of the plan.

“Our consultation, led by Nexus Planning, involved announcements in the media, letters to businesses, consultation events and meetings with stakeholders, as well as surveys, which were publicised extensively.

"We also set up an exhibition space in Hale Library in January and February for people to look at, which also included hard copies of the survey for people to fill in.”

The authority spokesman said the council has seen more than 600 responses to the consultations and it continues to hold discussions with stakeholders and the community.

The council added: “We are aware that the issue of parking divides opinion but it important to note that we are not reducing the number of parking spaces in Hale.

"However, some parking spaces are being reallocated to within a short walking distance in order to create destinations for people to spend time and enjoy visiting while in Hale.

"It is also important to consider all forms of transport, not just motor vehicles especially when more people than ever are getting on their bikes.

“Since the draft plan was produced, all responses have been considered in refining a preferred option for proposals, including the clock tower and bowling green.

“The report, which has not yet been signed off [by the executive], has now gone to the executive for their approval on September 28.”